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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

I was unable to put this book down once I began and read it within several hours. Lifted From Darkness: A True Story of Breaking Free is a book which will take you on an emotional roller coaster as it grips you in the first pages and carries you through to what you hope and pray with all your might will be a happy ending. Living a double life, on the outside working hard to portray to the world that all is well with her marriage, too full of shame to admit to herself, or anyone else she may have made a mistake, Alexa finds herself being held prisoner in a life which can only be described as a living hell. Several times throughout, I found myself in tears as I was reminded the words I read were not fiction. The suffering the author endured for ten long years at the hand of her abusive husband is unfathomable to any who have never experienced such abuse. The one constant is that God never left her side and carried her through, eventually redeeming everything that the enemy had stolen from her. I am confident you will not only be blessed as you read Alexa’s story, but it may spur you on to get involved in helping victims of domestic violence – at the very least, your eyes will be opened to the atrocities which many suffer and you will be inspired to pray. As a future counselor, this book is one I will be adding to my shelf of books I share with my clients. I highly recommend this title.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review nor did I receive monetary compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I had glanced at one or two reviews before deciding to read this title, and was excited about the potential of the subject matter, especially considering my closeness to several friends who have children with cerebral palsy. However, I thought the writing could have used some better focus throughout to help bring all components together. It read more like a series of stories, and it seemed obvious to me that the author is lacking experience as a writer. I found myself skimming through some parts rather than my typical “slowly savoring every word” – This book did not call out to be savored. There is potential, with some further editing. That being said, I will say (speaking from experience) authoring a book is tremendously difficult – especially when telling one’s own story. I am doing my best to provide a fair review and do not want to come off as being negative, however, this book did not live up to my expectations upon reading those initial positive reviews which caused me to request this title.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, March 28, 2016

Two words: Unshakable faith. If I had to sum up this book in two words, those are the two I would most certainly choose. I cannot even imagine having to face the challenges of raising two children with such dire medical needs. Each received a liver transplant, and while I watched much of the same medical drama unfold around my own father’s heart transplant, I kept trying to place myself in the shoes of the parents. I do not know that I would be able to endure seeing my child suffer but for the grace of God. Whether or not you have any personal dealings with anyone who has undergone an organ transplant, or if you are simply a parent of a healthy child, or you would like to gain some insight into the lives of those who, through their suffering, learned to lean mightily on God’s provisional strength, I highly recommend this title.

Disclosure: I received this book without cost from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Written by a pastor who is an expert on the subject by virtue of his suffering, How to Live in Fear: Mastering the Art of Freaking Out by Lance Hahn is an excellent, inspiring and insightful book on dealing with anxiety issues. As a future counselor, I was primarily interested in reading this book with hopes of being able to add it to my “toolbox” of references which I will be able to offer future clients. Additionally, a member of my family suffers with disabling anxiety and I hoped this book would offer some greater insight into what she experiences. The author did not disappoint. Not only did it offer a glimpse into the world of anxiety sufferers, but provides a guide for dealing with anxiety attacks and suggests ways those who suffer may seek support. Written in easy-to-read prose, the author helps to remove the stigma of mental health disorders and the shame which sometimes is felt by those who deal with disabling anxiety. For sure, I will be able to offer this title as a help to my future clients. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from anxiety disorder or panic attacks.

Disclosure: I received this book without cost from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday, March 05, 2016

An honest look at a man’s journey to a relationship with God, via an intense detour through the passages of evil. In this writing Michael Leehan chronicles his experience living as one who gave himself over to Satan. Participating in ritualistic blood sacrifices, the killing of animals, all while doing the bidding of the one true enemy of his soul, in spite of the fact he considered him to be an ally. Receiving the dark assignment to murder a pastor, Michael Leehan shares how he infiltrated the church for the express purpose of carrying out his dark mission. Thankfully, today he has completely turned his life around and now serves in the very church he once planned to destroy. An exceptional read – I give this one 4.5 stars

About Me

My favorite way to spend my time is BEING A MOM! Olivia is 15 - and embracing the teen years with gusto (ahem). I'm also an artist and up to my EARS in graduate school - almost finished! When I'm through with school I will be a licensed professional counselor with a concentration in art therapy. My husband, Randy and I have been married for 16 years - He is the love of my life! We live in the country on a magnificent 14-acre parcel of land - We are blessed beyond belief --and God is good - ALL the time! This blog is where I can share any thoughts that might be rattling around in my brain and you can decide if I'm sane or not.